There was a bit of a suprise when Arkansas State announced its starters Sunday at First National Bank Arena against Missouri-Kansas City: Sun Belt Conference Preseason Player of the Year Norchad Omier was not among the Red Wolves' first five.
Part of it was matchup-related. ASU Coach Mike Balado said he wanted to switch against the Roos and was concerned that Omier might pick up an early foul or two -- something that's been a reoccurring issue.
But he also wanted to get the Nicaraguan sophomore back on track.
"I don't think he's playing up to par and it was a little bit of a wake-up call," Balado said of Omier.